BSB: Guintoli-Brookes crash - Official Statement

FOLLOWING THE Race One sighting lap crash at Donington Park yesterday, which saw Sylvian Guintoli rear-ended by Josh Brookes, the MCRCB/MSVR Judicial Panel have released this statement:

The Judicial Panel comprising Mike Blakey (MCRCB), Adrian Addison (MSVR) in the presence of Dave Francis (Deputy Clerk of the Course) and Norman Williamson (MCRCB Safety Delegate) considered the following:

During the sighting lap period for British Superbike race 1, a collision occurred between riders #25, Josh Brookes and #50, Sylvain Guintoli, at the approach to the Melbourne Hairpin.

Following an inspection of machine #25 and an interview with the rider, it was concluded that an indeterminate brake system failure of machine #25 was the cause of the incident. Due to time restrictions for repairing the machine in preparation for the second BSB race, examination of on-board data from the machine was deferred until later in the day.

The data recorded by machine #25 was supplied by the team and has now been examined. It was found that:

The rider pumped the brake lever in the braking area on the approach to the Melbourne Hairpin.

The pressure developed in the braking system and the reduction in wheel speed on the approach to the corner was consistent with a lap at racing speed, up to the point where the rider pumped the brake lever.

The point at which the brakes were applied was consistent with a lap at racing speed.

The exact reason the rider pumped the brake is not known, but he stated that the brakes did not feel that they were working properly.

The Judicial Panel agreed that there was no evidence of mechanical failure; however, the difference in speed between #25 and the riders around him was incompatible with the end of a sighting lap.
Accordingly we have determined that this a breach of MCRCB regulation B2.9 riding in a manner not compatible with general safety.

A ban of one race has been applied to Josh Brookes, suspended for three British Superbike championship meetings. The rider was informed of his right to appeal.

No appeal having been received, the penalty is confirmed.

MCRCB/MSVR Judicial Panel.